1a. Successfully complete the national DANB Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam. After successful completion of the RHS exam, DANB will issue the assistant a DANB RHS certificate of knowledge-based competency. Dental assistants are not legally allowed to expose radiographs in Montana until they receive a certificate from DANB, OR

1b. Graduate from a CODA-accredited dental assisting program, OR

1c. Hold a certification in dental radiography from the U.S. military.

Note: Effective Jan. 1, 2016, radiology certification from other states will no longer be accepted, with the exception of a board-approved written examination. Dental auxiliaries who acquired radiology certification in other states and were employed as dental auxiliaries in Montana prior to Jan. 1, 2016, will be grandfathered.

Dental Assisting Job Titles and Requirements for Each Level

A dental auxiliary in the state of Montana may perform basic supportive dental procedures specified by the state dental practice act under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. To qualify, one must: